UPDATE: Constitutional convention backers meet in Indiana

Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore David Long welcomes delegates meeting to set up the framework for states to amend the U.S. Constitution at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Delegates will be deciding on ground rules for a first-ever constitutional amendment convention, to give states the chance to bypass Congress and agree to call for one or more proposed amendments. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

INDIANAPOLIS - More than 50 state legislators met in the Indiana House chamber on Thursday to start discussing rules and procedures for a possible future constitutional convention.

Indiana President Pro Tem David Long welcomed the states legislators – representing more than 30 states – to "God's Country" and the Mount Vernon Assembly.

The delegates are meeting under a process set out in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows states to propose amendments. No actual amendments will be considered this week. Instead, lawmakers will focus on the procedures needed to hold an amendment convention in the future.

"Nothing like this gathering has happened in over two centuries," Long said. "There are many scholars that will tell you, if (Article V) was not put in the constitution, it would not have had enough support to pass."

Long said the point of this week's meeting is in part to limit the scope of the future event – an attempt to avoid a "runaway convention" and make sure the convention and ideas remain in the control of the states.

"Think of what we're doing as constructing a building," Long told the delegates. He said it has to be "permanent, lasting and can stand the test of time." He received a loud round of applause from the entire chamber and a few claps from the public gallery.

Long said any possible amendment proposals are "premature."

Ohio Speaker Pro Tempore Matt Huffman is the chairman for this week's assembly. He said the meeting is the "beginning of a journey" that may take years.

"This is extra work. You're doing it because you're trying to make a difference," Huffman said. "One of the things we need in this movement is more leaders, folks who want to step forward. And take over a lot of tasks that have yet to be done and need to be done."

Some states – including Arkansas and Idaho – are only being represented by one delegate this week. But others – including Florida and Georgia – had several legislators in attendance.

Sen. Alan Hays, R-Florida, joked and promised that they left a few people at home.

Michigan and Oregon officials originally said delegates would attend this week but did not.

After introductions, welcoming, and thanking Long and his staff for organizing the event, the legislators broke for lunch. They plan to meet in several committees. Rep. Gary Banz, R-Oklahoma, said it was time to "get the ball rolling."